Five things to watch at Thursday’s city council meetings

By Colin Killian, Communications Manager

The College Station City Council gathers Thursday at city hall for its workshop (5:30 p.m.) and regular (7 p.m.) meetings. Here are five items to watch:

Relationship with Belgium: The council will receive a workshop presentation from the Research Valley Partnership on the evolving economic development relationship with Belgium anchored by the Aggies Go to War exhibit.
Police Ammunition Purchase: The council will consider two contracts totaling about $136,000 for ammunition to be used on-duty and in training exercises.
Umpires Agreement: The council will consider a contract not to exceed $190,000 with the Brazos Valley Softball Umpires Association for officiating services for the city’s athletic leagues and tournaments.
Electric System Right-of-Way Clearing: The council will consider awarding a three-year contract for $1.28 million for clearing overhead power lines and clearing easements and rights-of-way for the construction of new power lines.
The Barracks II Rezoning: After a public hearing, the council will consider rezoning several tracts near The Barracks II Subdivision to allow for the development of additional townhomes.

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Public Communications

Our Top 5 Blog Posts from 2014

By Jay Socol, Public Communications Director

Do you have any idea how difficult it is convincing you to abandon your news, sports and entertainment sources long enough to read about our exciting world of city government?

It’s plenty tough, believe me. In 2014, as with previous years, we tried to present you with useful, reliable information through this blog. It seemed to have worked: There were more than 57,000 views to 120 blog posts. Which ones were the most popular?

Glad you asked. Based on number of views, here are the top five posts that earned your interest and attention.

No. 5
10 game day parking citations you can easily avoid Continue reading “Our Top 5 Blog Posts from 2014”

Police, Public Communications

CSPD officer used SABA kit to save citizen’s life

By Lt. Chuck Fleeger, CSPD Public Information Officer

Late on the night of Oct. 15, Daniel Crites was among the College Station police officers who responded to a call about a person needing medical attention. Arriving ahead of paramedics, the officers found the individual’s condition rapidly deteriorating.

Officer Crites realized the person was having difficulty breathing and discovered that swelling had obstructed the airway. Crites inserted a pharyngeal tube from his department-issued Self Aid Buddy Aid (SABA) kit through the individual’s nose, allowing air into the lungs. The citizen was soon transported to a hospital and was successfully treated.

Paramedics and hospital personnel said Crite’s quick actions saved the person’s life.

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Police, Public Communications, Public Works

CSPD program recognizes Public Works employee

Last month, sanitation route manager Andy Garcia was working his route when he found a convenience store employee unconscious near a dumpster. Andy promptly notified the police, who discovered the store had been robbed and the employee assaulted. Andy’s awareness and quick response allowed the store employee to receive the medical attention he needed. The robbery is still being investigated.

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City Council, Public Communications

Live Blog: Thursday’s City Council Meetings (April 11)

This is a live blog from the College Station City Council’s workshop and regular meetings on Thursday, April 11. It’s not the official minutes.

Both meetings are being broadcast live on Suddenlink Channel 19 and can also be watched online. An archive of previous council meetings is available on the website.

6:15 p.m.

The workshop has started.

6:25 p.m.

The council discussed its calendar, future agenda items and received committee reports.

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City Council, Public Communications

Live Blog: Thursday’s City Council Meetings (March 28)

This is a live blog from the College Station City Council’s workshop and regular meetings on Thursday, March 28. It’s not the official minutes.

Both meetings are being broadcast live on Suddenlink Channel 19 and can also be watched online. An archive of previous council meetings is available on the website.

6:07 p.m.

The workshop has started.

6:08 p.m.

Simpson named city manager

The council unanimously voted to select Frank Simpson as city manager. Simpson was named interim city manager in January when David Neeley retired. He had served as deputy city manager since 2011, overseeing Public Works, Water Services, and the Electric Utility. Simpson came to the City of College Station after serving as city manager of Missouri City for seven years (2004-11). He previously served as city manager of Webster (2001-04) and Center (1995-01), and was an assistant city manager in La Marque (1994-95).

Simpson began his long municipal government career as a public utilities worker for the City of College Station in 1986 while attending Texas A&M. He earned a bachelor’s degree in political science in 1988 and a master’s in public administration from A&M in 1990. Simpson worked in various administrative capacities with the City of College Station from 1989-93. He and his wife, Kelly, have three children.

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